The website ''OpenCongress'' tracks the voting records of each member to determine with whom he or she votes most and least often. The results include a member from each party.<ref>[http://www.opencongress.org/people/show/400010_Spencer_Bachus ''OpenCongress,'' "Spencer Bachus," accessed July 30, 2013]</ref>

+

The website ''OpenCongress'' tracks the voting records of each member to determine with whom he or she votes most and least often. The results include a member from each party.<ref>[http://www.opencongress.org/people/show/400010_Spencer_Bachus ''OpenCongress'', "Spencer Bachus," accessed July 30, 2013]</ref>

The March 13 primary received a great deal of attention because of the Super PACCampaign for Primary Accountability, which targeted incumbents in primaries across the country. The 6th District primary was called the top race to watch in Alabama. Despite the increased primary opposition, Bachus was able to win handily without the need for a runoff election, securing 58.5% of the vote.[5][6]

2011-2012

Issues

Legislative actions

113th Congress

The second session of the 113th Congress enacted into law 114 out of the 3,036 introduced bills (3.8 percent). Comparatively, the 112th Congress had 4.2 percent of introduced bills enacted into law in the second session.[9] For more information pertaining to Bachus's voting record in the 113th Congress, please see the below sections.[10]

National security

NDAA

Bachus voted for HR 1960 - the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2014. The bill passed the House on June 14, 2013, with a vote of 315 - 108. Both parties were somewhat divided on the vote.[11]

DHS Appropriations

Bachus voted for HR 2217 - the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act of 2014. The bill passed the House on June 6, 2013, with a vote of 245 - 182 that was largely along party lines.[12]

CISPA (2013)

Bachus voted for HR 624 - the CISPA (2013). The bill passed the House on April 18, 2013, with a vote of 288 - 127. The bill would allow federal intelligence agencies to share cybersecurity intelligence and information with private entities and utilities. The bill was largely supported by Republicans, but divided the Democratic Party.[13]

Economy

Farm bill

On January 29, 2014, the U.S. House approved the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013, H.R. 2642, also known as the Farm Bill.[14] The bill passed by a vote of 251-166. The nearly 1,000-page bill reformed and continued various programs of the Department of Agriculture through 2018. The $1 trillion bill expanded crop insurance for farmers by $7 billion over the next decade and created new subsidies for rice and peanut growers that would kick in when prices drop.[15][16] However, cuts to the food stamp program cut an average of $90 per month for 1.7 million people in 15 states.[16] Bachus voted with 161 other Republicanrepresentatives in favor of the bill.

2014 Budget

On January 15, 2014, the Republican-run House approved H.R. 3547, a $1.1 trillion spending bill to fund the government through September 30, 2014.[17][18] The House voted 359-67 for the 1,582 page bill, with 64 Republicans and three Democrats voting against the bill.[18] The omnibus package included 12 annual spending bills to fund federal operations.[19] It increased the paychecks of federal workers and military personnel by 1 percent, increased Head Start funding for early childhood education by $1 billion, reduced funding to the Internal Revenue Service and the Environmental Protection Agency, and protected the Affordable Care Act from any drastic cuts. Bachus voted with the majority of the Republican party in favor of the bill.[17]

Government shutdown

On September 30, 2013, the House passed a final stopgap spending bill before the shutdown went into effect. The bill included a one-year delay of the Affordable Care Act's individual mandate and would have also stripped the bill of federal subsidies for congressional members and staff. It passed through the House with a vote of 228-201.[20] At 1 a.m. on October 1, 2013, one hour after the shutdown officially began, the House voted to move forward with going to a conference. In short order, Sen. Harry Reid rejected the call to conference.[21] Bachus voted to approve the stopgap spending bill that would have delayed the individual mandate.[22]

The shutdown finally ended on October 16, 2013, when the House took a vote on HR 2775 after it was approved by the Senate. The bill to reopen the government lifted the $16.7 trillion debt limit and funded the government through January 15, 2014. Federal employees also received retroactive pay for the shutdown period. The only concession made by Senate Democrats was to require income verification for Obamacare subsidies.[23] The House passed the legislation shortly after the Senate, by a vote of 285-144, with all 144 votes against the legislation coming from Republican members. Bachus voted for HR 2775.[24]

Federal Pay Adjustment Elimination

Bachus voted for HR 273 - Eliminates the 2013 Statutory Pay Adjustment for Federal Employees. The bill passed the House on February 15, 2013, with a vote of 261 - 154. The bill would prevent a 0.5% pay increase for all federal workers from taking effect, saving the federal government $11 billion over 10 years.[25]

Immigration

King Amendment

In June 2013 the House approved an amendment to the Department of Homeland Security spending bill that would end the department's discretion policies by cutting off funding for the proposed DREAM Act, which would have temporarily halted the deportations of young immigrants if they have served in the military or are attending college. This vote overturns an executive order signed by President Obama that formalized a process for the "Dreamers" to remain in the U.S.[26][18][27]

The amendment would effectively demand the government force out "Dreamers" who came to the U.S. as children.[27] It contrasts with comprehensive immigration reform efforts, including proposed DREAM Act style legislation, and would resume the deportation of hundreds of thousands of immigrants brought illegally to the United States as children.[28] The amendment was the first immigration-related vote in either chamber of Congress in 2013, and blocks many of the provisions that are mirrored in the Senate’sGang of Eight bill.[29][27]

Healthcare

Healthcare Reform Rules

Bachus voted for House Amendment 450 - Requires Congressional Approval for Any Rules Under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. The amendment was adopted by the House on August 2, 2013, with a vote of 227-185. The amendment requires that all changes to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act be approved by Congress before taking effect. The vote was largely along party lines.[30]

Social issues

Abortion

Bachus voted for HR 1797 - Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act. The resolution passed the House on June 18, 2013, with a vote of 228 - 196 that largely followed party lines. The purpose of the bill is to ban abortions that would take place 20 or more weeks after fertilization.[31]

Previous congressional sessions

Fiscal Cliff

Bachus voted against the fiscal cliff compromise bill, which made permanent most of the Bush tax cuts originally passed in 2001 and 2003 while also raising tax rates on the highest income levels. He was 1 of 151 Republicans that voted against the bill. The bill was passed in the House by a 257 - 167 vote on January 1, 2013.[32]

Insider trading investigation

On February 9, 2012, the same day that the U.S. House voted 417-2 to pass new ethics requirements on legislators and federal agency officials, The Washington Post reported that Bachus was under investigation by the Office of Congressional Ethics (OCE) for possible violations of insider-trading laws.[33] It is the first time such a case has involved a member of Congress since the OCE was created in March 2009.[34] The ethics bill began after a "60 Minutes" profile of Peter Schweizer's book "Throw Them All Out," which addressed stock trading in Congress, including activity by Bachus.[35]

In the summer of 2008, while a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Bachus made several options bets on railroads. On two occasions he bet the stock of Burlington Northern Railroad would rise - in July he made a $16,588 profit on the bet, while in August he lost $2,900.[34] In September 2008, Bachus, the highest ranking Republican member of the Financial Services Committee, took part in a closed-door meeting with then-Treasury Secretary Hank Paulson and Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke. The next day, Bachus placed trades betting the nation's financial markets would broadly decline, which netted him $5,715. The same day he made $12,713 on a bet that General Electric stock would rise. The book, however, stated incorrectly that Bachus bet GE's stock would fall. Schweizer conceded his mistake, but Bachus wrote to the publisher that “The book is absolutely false and factually inaccurate when it states that I ‘shorted General Electric options’ and did so ‘four times in a single day.’ ” He went on to say that no insider information was passed during the meeting.[34]

Bachus acknowledged on February 10 that he was the target of an investigation, but said he believes the inquiry will clear his name. In a statement, Bachus said, “I welcome the opportunity to set the record straight. I respect the congressional ethics process. I have fully abided by the rules governing Members of Congress and look forward to the full exoneration this process will provide.”[36]

Elections

2014

Bachus is not running for re-election to the House in 2014. In a statement issued by his office, he said

"It has been the greatest privilege imaginable to serve as the representative of the people of Alabama in the United States House of Representatives. It is an honor that I never dreamed could have been possible for me and the words ‘thank you’ are far from adequate. But as Ecclesiastes 3 says, to everything there is a season and I feel in my heart that now is the time for me to announce this decision and allow others to have the opportunity to serve. This was a family decision, because my wife Linda, our five children, and our seven grandchildren have always been my biggest source of support, strength, and joy. Since I will continue to be the representative for the Sixth District until the end of my term, I do not consider today a ‘goodbye.’ There is much important work that remains to be done and what I would like to see above anything else before I leave is a spending reduction plan that will put the federal government on a sensible and sustainable financial path going forward."[1]

2012

Bachus won re-election to the 6th Congressional District in 2012. He defeated Scott Beason, Al Mickle and David Standridge in the March 13 Republican primary. He then defeated Penny H. Bailey in the November 6 general election.[37] Bachus had not faced a general election challenge since 2002, and he won his 2010 primary with more than 75 percent of the vote. The 2012 primary was called his "toughest electoral test in years."[5]

There was also a Democratic candidate on the general election ballot in the district for the first time since 1998.[38]

The Campaign for Primary Accountability, a Houston-based super PAC, had their sights set on defeating Spencer Bachus (R) in the 2012 primary. Curtis Ellis, a spokesman for the CPA, said "Incumbents like Mr. Bachus...are longtime passengers on the inside-the-beltway gravy train."[39] They backed Bachus' challenger in the Republican primary, Scott Beason.

The CPA, which went after incumbents of both parties, stated on their website "Our goal is to bring true competition to our electoral process, to give voters real information about their choices, and to restore fair, not fixed, elections."[40] Bachus said he asked a friend from Houston to contact Leo Linbeck, the grandfather of Leo Linbeck III, one of the CPA's largest donors. He, however, has long been deceased.[41]

According to a Washington Post report, as of March 7 the CPA had spent $53,000 on TV ads and phone calls to Republican voters in Bachus' district.[42] A Politico report on March 9 said the CPA had spent $125,000 in the race.[43]

Following Bachus' win in the primary, he, along with some media outlets, tried to paint the victory as a clear defeat for the CPA, stating, "We overcame a lot of big money. They spent hundreds of thousands of dollars distorting my record, but the voters of the 6th District didn't go for it."[44] According to a report in the LA Times, the group spent $322,000 in Alabama, targeting Bachus as well as congressman Jo Bonner in the 1st District. However, Bachus' campaign alone spent more than five times that sum, dumping $1.5 million into the primary.[45]

As of February 16, 2012, Bachus has been in office longer than 345 members of congress. Thirty-one have been in office the same number of years as Bachus, while 59 have been in office longer than him. In the Alabama delegation, he is the senior representative out of the seven members.

Full history

To view the full congressional electoral history for Spencer Bachus, click [show] to expand the section.

2010

On November 2, 2010, Spencer Bachus won re-election to the United States House. He ran unopposed in the general election.[53]

U.S. House, Alabama District 6 General Election, 2010

Party

Candidate

Vote %

Votes

Republican

Spencer Bachusincumbent

100%

205,288

Total Votes

205,288

2008

On November 4, 2008, Spencer Bachus won re-election to the United States House. He ran unopposed in the general election.[54]

U.S. House, Alabama District 6 General Election, 2008

Party

Candidate

Vote %

Votes

Republican

Spencer Bachusincumbent

100%

280,902

Total Votes

280,902

2006

On November 7, 2006, Spencer Bachus won re-election to the United States House. He ran unopposed in the general election.[55]

U.S. House, Alabama District 6 General Election, 2006

Party

Candidate

Vote %

Votes

Republican

Spencer Bachusincumbent

100%

163,514

Total Votes

163,514

2004

On November 2, 2004, Spencer Bachus won re-election to the United States House. He ran unopposed in the general election.[56]

U.S. House, Alabama District 6 General Election, 2004

Party

Candidate

Vote %

Votes

Republican

Spencer Bachusincumbent

100%

264,819

Total Votes

264,819

2002

On November 5, 2002, Spencer Bachus won re-election to the United States House. He defeated J. Holden McAllister (L) in the general election.[57]

U.S. House, Alabama District 6 General Election, 2002

Party

Candidate

Vote %

Votes

Republican

Spencer Bachusincumbent

90.1%

178,171

Libertarian

J. Holden McAllister

9.9%

19,639

Total Votes

197,810

2000

On November 7, 2000, Spencer Bachus won re-election to the United States House. He defeated Terry Reagin (L) in the general election.[58]

U.S. House, Alabama District 6 General Election, 2000

Party

Candidate

Vote %

Votes

Republican

Spencer Bachusincumbent

88.3%

212,751

Libertarian

Terry Reagin

11.7%

28,189

Total Votes

240,940

1998

On November 3, 1998, Spencer Bachus won re-election to the United States House. He defeated Donna Wesson Smalley (D) in the general election.[59]

U.S. House, Alabama District 6 General Election, 1998

Party

Candidate

Vote %

Votes

Republican

Spencer Bachusincumbent

71.8%

154,761

Democratic

Donna Wesson Smalley

28.2%

60,657

Total Votes

215,418

1996

On November 5, 1996, Spencer Bachus won re-election to the United States House. He defeated Mary Lynn Bates (D), T. Franklin Harris (L) and Diane Susan Vogel (Natural Law) in the general election.[60]

U.S. House, Alabama District 6 General Election, 1996

Party

Candidate

Vote %

Votes

Republican

Spencer Bachusincumbent

71%

180,781

Democratic

Mary Lynn Bates

27.3%

69,592

Libertarian

T. Franklin Harris

0.9%

2,293

Natural Law

Diane Susan Vogel

0.8%

2,113

Total Votes

254,779

1994

On November 8, 1994, Spencer Bachus won re-election to the United States House. He defeated Larry Fortenberry (D) in the general election.[61]

U.S. House, Alabama District 6 General Election, 1994

Party

Candidate

Vote %

Votes

Republican

Spencer Bachusincumbent

79.1%

155,047

Democratic

Larry Fortenberry

20.9%

41,030

Total Votes

196,077

1992

On November 3, 1992, Spencer Bachus won election to the United States House. He defeated Ben Erdeich (D), Carla Cloum (I) and Mark Bodenhausen (L) in the general election.[62]

U.S. House, Alabama District 6 General Election, 1992

Party

Candidate

Vote %

Votes

Republican

Spencer Bachus

52.4%

146,599

Democratic

Ben Erdeich incumbent

45%

126,062

Independent

Carla Cloum

1.6%

4,521

Libertarian

Mark Bodenhausen

1%

2,836

Total Votes

280,018

Campaign donors

Comprehensive donor information for Bachus is available dating back to 2000. Based on available campaign finance records, Bachus raised a total of $10,666,002 during that time period. This information was last updated on March 21, 2013.[63]

2012

Breakdown of the source of Bachus' campaign funds before the 2012 election.

Bachus won re-election to the U.S. House in 2012. During that election cycle, Bachus' campaign committee raised a total of $2,725,004 and spent $2,904,500.[68] This is more than the average $1.5 million spent by House winners in 2012.[69]

2010

Breakdown of the source of Bachus' campaign funds before the 2010 election.

Bachus won re-election to the U.S. House in 2010. During that election cycle, Bachus' campaign committee raised a total of $1,415,672 and spent $1,634,114. The percentage of contributions from PACs was 72 percent, while individual contributions made up 41 percent.[70]

2008

Breakdown of the source of Bachus' campaign funds before the 2008 election.

Bachus won re-election to the U.S. House in 2008. During that election cycle, Bachus' campaign committee raised a total of $1,460,646 and spent $1,414,799. The percentage of contributions from PACs was 61 percent, while individual contributions made up 36 percent.[71]

2006

Breakdown of the source of Bachus' campaign funds before the 2006 election.

Bachus won re-election to the U.S. House in 2006. During that election cycle, Bachus' campaign committee raised a total of $1,638,815 and spent $1,893,917. The percentage of contributions from PACs was 63 percent, while individual contributions made up 26 percent.[72]

2004

Breakdown of the source of Bachus' campaign funds before the 2004 election.

Bachus won re-election to the U.S. House in 2004. During that election cycle, Bachus' campaign committee raised a total of $1,647,636 and spent $1,376,103. The percentage of contributions from PACs was 53 percent, while individual contributions made up 39 percent.[73]

2002

Breakdown of the source of Bachus' campaign funds before the 2002 election.

Bachus won re-election to the U.S. House in 2002. During that election cycle, Bachus' campaign committee raised a total of $1,105,801 and spent $747,977. The percentage of contributions from PACs was 60 percent, while individual contributions made up 31 percent.[74]

2000

Bachus won re-election to the U.S. House in 2000. During that election cycle, Bachus' campaign committee raised a total of $672,429 and spent $577,565. The percentage of contributions from PACs was 52 percent, while individual contributions made up 40 percent.[75]

Lifetime voting record

According to the website GovTrack, Bachus missed 504 of 13,520 roll call votes from January 1993 to March 2013. This amounts to 3.7%, which is worse than the median of 2.2% among current congressional representatives as of March 2013.[79]

Congressional staff salaries

The website Legistorm compiles staff salary information for members of Congress. Bachus paid his congressional staff a total of $998,407 in 2011. He ranked 194th on the list of the lowest paid Republican representative staff salaries and ranked 269th overall of the lowest paid representative staff salaries in 2011. Overall, Alabama ranked 22nd in average salary for representative staff. The average U.S. House of Representatives congressional staff was paid $954,912.20 in fiscal year 2011.[80]

Staff bonuses

According to an analysis by CNN, Bachus was one of nearly 25 percent of House members who gave their staff bonuses in 2012. Bachus's staff was given an apparent $11,500.00 in bonus money.[81]

Net worth

Based on congressional financial disclosure forms and calculations made available by OpenSecrets.org, Bachus' net worth as of 2012 was estimated between $168,016 and $1,094,998. That averages to $631,507, which is lower than the average net worth of Republican representatives in 2012 of $7,614,097.96. Bachus ranked as the 250th most wealthy representative in 2012.[82]

Spencer Bachus Yearly Net Worth

Year

Average Net Worth

2012

$631,507

The data used to calculate changes in net worth may include changes resulting from assets gained through marriage, inheritance, changes in family estates and/or trusts, changes in family business ownership and many other variables unrelated to a member's behavior in Congress.